In this week's Parashat Mishpatim, we read of the institution of slavery and its attendant obligations on how the master must treat the servant. Maimonides extends this obligation of compassion even to Canaanite slaves. Yet, as Mois Navon reveals in his recent TRADITION essay, the significance of this law goes far beyond slavery and encapsulates Maimonides’ entire program for not only moral development but human perfection itself.

Yehuda Rock has attempted the monumental project of updating Mordechai Breuer’s entire methodology of biblical interpretation, while avoiding the major deficiencies that beset his teacher’s “Theory of Aspects” method (to say nothing of Biblical Criticism). In reviewing Rock’s new book Hayyim Angel suggests the author’s greatest contribution is forcing readers to rethink their tendency to smooth over bumps in the biblical narrative.

Hyim Shafner considers the impact of what he calls “The Frum Prosperity Gospel” on Jewish life and values. Read his open-access essay from TRADITION’s most recent issue which responds to topics raised in our special Summit volume on “The Challenge of Material Success.”